During the Second World War the School and its community took every opportunity to do their bit to help the War effort. From 1940, to make the most of the summer holidays, the School launched a “Forestry camp” at Farnham, Surrey. The principal objective of which was to support the agricultural sector, yet for those involved, it also provided the opportunity to develop new skills and experiences.

After the success of the first Camp, and the increasing demand for agricultural support, the Camps quickly became a permanent fixture in the School calendar. From 1942 the Harvest camps expanded to be run simultaneously at two separate sites. One, at a Village School in Cholsey, Berkshire, and the other at a remote Village School in Campton, Berkshire. Each year the School would take approximately 34 boys (per camp) for approximately 3 weeks from August to September. Securing a place to go to one of the Camps was highly sought after.

Due to the need to conserve fuel, Pupils were required to cycle to each site (approximately 50 miles), whilst their luggage was transported on the train with the supporting Teachers. The attached image is taken from 1943, where supporting Teachers; Mr. Barton and Mr. Jago, were required to transport (with considerable effort it seems) the necessary equipment from Compton Train Station to the site.

The accommodation for Pupils consisted of canvas tents, with the local Village School being used as a central office, kitchen, and sick bay. Each day, Pupils would be sent off in small groups to separate farms within the vicinity, to work under the supervision of the Farmer, or their Foreman. Due to rationing restrictions, boys were required to bring their ration books and identity cards with them, as well as any other supplementary paperwork. However, these pupils were fortunate because the Government had authorised special allowances to weekly rations, for camps such as these.

Messrs. Barton and Jago hauling gear from the train station at Compton